Current Status and Future Development of Geotechnical Engineering Practice in Malaysia

摘要

The professional practice of geotechnical engineers in Malaysia is regulated by the Board of Engineers, Malaysia under the rules and regulations of the Registration of Engineers Malaysia (Amendment) Act 2002. The Act has no specific section on the registration and practice of geotechnical engineers except for the indirect mention of geotechnical engineers in the registration of Accredited Checkers. The newly proposed Accredited Checker in the disciplines of geotechnical and structural engineering is primarily for the registration of professional engineers with specialist knowledge and practical experience in the above discipline of specialisation. Many local authorities presently require developers to engage Accredited Checkers for slopes with high risk to ensure safety. The role of geotechnical engineers has become more prominent as sites with good soil condition that only requires simple geotechnical input is scarce. New developments have now moved towards areas of soft ground, ex-mining land and hilly lands. This paper describes the current status of geotechnical engineering practice and its likely future development. It also highlights the major differences between Malaysia and some countries particularly on the aspects of contractual, design and construction.